Gerald Koster

Rev. Dr. Gerald M. Koster, 91, closed his eyes with his loving daughter Candy by his side in the early morning of October 29, 2015 to then open his eyes to see his Lord and savior who he loved and served. He was born December 29, 1923 in Beaver, OH to Rev. Fred Otterbein Koster and Rev. Beulah Belle (Haskins) Koster. His father was a town and country preacher who served 3 to 4 churches at a time. His early life was always prayer, the love of his family and the constant influence and inspiration of how to love and serve the Lord. Going to church 3 to 4 times a Sunday was not an option but a great gift of being in the house of the Lord. The Lord was certainly giving him early instruction and showing him through his parents the great ministry that was ahead. Gerald graduated from Pomeroy High School, Otterbein University, The Ohio State University, Ashland University, United Theological Seminary and Slidell University and was a licensed massage therapist. He was a veteran of WWII, where he was the Chaplain’s assistant, working in hospitals. Later he was involved with the Ohio Military Reserve as a Chaplain and retired as a Colonel, which he was always very proud of his military experiences. He was a 50 plus year member of Hilltop Kiwanis Club and had the privilege of being President and leader in many civic organizations throughout the years. He married Marjorie Echo (Pittenger) Koster on July 31, 1947, who was a song evangelist with the Church of Nazarene. They together became great servants of the Lord. He pastored 9 churches over the span of 72 years, starting in the Brethren in Christ Church, The EUB Church and The United Methodist Church. After retiring for about a week, he became a supply pulpit minister preaching the gospel at many different churches, including The Hungarian Reformed Church and The Sugar Creek American Baptist Church where he went for 2 weeks and stayed 51/2 years. At 77 years old he was assigned to the Orient U.M.C. and felt God was still using him for the Kingdom. He felt he was the oldest pastor still serving a congregation. His entire life was serving others, telling them about how great Jesus is and walking and talking his faith. He also served as Chaplain for the State of Ohio at TICO for over 27 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, baby brother Forest Glen Koster and brother Fred Coleman Koster, wife Echo Koster and sons-in-law Joseph A. Johnson and Craig A. Weigand who he called both his sons. Gerald is survived by his loving daughter Candy L. Koster Weigand and his precious granddaughter Pastor Tiffany L. Johnson, sister Freda Dec, brother-in-law Rochell Pittenger, nieces, nephews and cousins, many adopted daughters and sons, close friends and church members through the years. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday November 3, 2015 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4850 Haughn Rd. Grove City, OH 43123. Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Monday at the church. Internment will be in Concord Cemetery. Lay Pastor Candy Koster Weigand and Pastor Tiffany Johnson officiating, with other clergy assisting. We are celebrating the homecoming of a great and faithful servant. He often said, someday you will read that I have passed away but don’t you believe it, I am more alive than I have ever been. In lieu of flowers, he would be happy if you would give a contribution to his missionary granddaughter Tiffany, who he lived everyday to help support her work in serving the Lord. Well done good and faithful servant. Arrangements being completed by Wellman Funeral Home, Circleville